EDF plans to win licenses to operate new-generation U.S. reactors through an alliance with Constellation. Falling stock markets and tightening credit are unlikely to prevent EDF's effort, Gadonneix told Bloomberg News in Paris.

"We are in talks with a number of industrial and financial partners, in particular KKR," Gadonneix said. "Among the partners, some are proposing a counteroffer, but this isn't the only scenario."

He added: "I want a partnership in the U.S. and I won't rule out any option. ..."

A Constellation spokesman declined to comment last night.

Also yesterday, the Maryland Public Service Commission issued two requests for proposals, seeking outside consultants to help the agency evaluate the Constellation-MidAmerican deal.

Constellation and EDF have a joint venture to build nuclear reactors in the United States. That UniStar division said yesterday that Areva SA, the world's largest reactor maker, and U.S. construction company Bechtel won a design contract for a proposed nuclear reactor project at Calvert Cliffs in Southern Maryland. No financial details were provided.

After 10 people were shot — seven of them in one incident — overnight in Baltimore following the city's most violent month in decades, police announced Sunday that 10 federal agents will embed with the city's homicide unit for the next two months.

Interim Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis announced a reorganization of the department in an email to police Saturday night, formally promoting or moving 28 people into new roles and undoing some changes made by his predecessor Anthony W. Batts.

The Orioles had the opportunity to finish their weeklong homestand at Camden Yards by taking three of four from the Detroit Tigers, but as well as the Orioles have played at home, they’ve been a mediocre club there on Sundays.